Public safety briefs for June 23, 2019

Information for this report was taken from publicly available law enforcement records and includes arrest and citation information. Anyone listed in this report is presumed innocent.

On June 14 at 1:13 p.m., the Soldotna Alaska State Troopers K-9 Team responded to the intersection of the Kenai Spur Highway at Kilowatt Avenue in Soldotna at a report of a collision involving two vehicles. The driver of a grey 2005 Chevrolet was identified as Jeffrey A. Rea, 64, of Soldotna. Investigation revealed that Rea was making a left turn from the Kenai Spur Highway into the Alyeska Tire parking lot and turned in front of an oncoming vehicle, causing a collision. The other vehicle was identified as a black 2013 Subaru Impreza, operated by Monica Mullet, 40, of Soldotna. All occupants reported wearing seat belts. Airbags were not deployed, and no injuries were reported. Rea was issued a traffic citation for failure to yield when turning left. ASAP Towing responded and took possession of the Impreza.

On June 15 at 8:33 p.m., Alaska State Troopers contacted Mark Kreidenweis, 68, of Kasilof, in the area of Olympic Avenue in Kasilof. Kreidenweis was found to be intoxicated, a violation of his conditions of release. He was arrested for violating conditions of release and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail.

On June 15, Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Chue Her, 22, of Anchorage, on the Clam Gulch beach. Her was observed fishing. When approached to check his fishing license, he was unable to produce a valid 2019 Alaska fishing license. A correctable citation was issued for sportfishing without license in possession, with bail set at $220.

On June 16 at 6:29 p.m., Alaska State Troopers received report of a man flipping his 4-wheeler near Mile 121 of the Sterling Highway in Clam Gulch. Investigation revealed that Garrett Smith, 51, of Bellingham, Washington, was under the influence of alcohol while driving the 4-wheeler. Smith was arrested for driving under the influence and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility, where he was remanded and later released on his own recognizance.

On June 15 at 1:19 a.m., a Kenai police officer arrived at the parking lot of a local bar to what appeared to be a fight starting to take place. Multiple people were interviewed and contacted. After investigation, Robert A. Merchant, 35, of Kenai, was arrested for disorderly conduct and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility.

On June 15 at 4:25 p.m., Kenai police received a call regarding a wanted male walking near a local store. Officers responded and contacted the suspect, who did indeed have multiple warrants for his arrest. Derrick L. Hurd, 26, of Sterling, was arrested on Alaska State Troopers warrants for failure to comply with conditions of probation on the original charge of fourth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance, failure to comply of probation on the original charge of false information, an arrest warrant on the original charge of petition to revoke probation, failure to appear for pretrial conference hearing on the original charge of concealment of merchandise, and an arrest warrant for fourth-degree theft, as well as new charges for second-degree criminal trespass and third-degree theft. Hurd was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.

On June 15 at 9:38 p.m., Kenai police responded to a local store for a report of a male who was possibly trespassing. After contacting and identifying the suspect male, Scott M. Jezorski, 28, of Soldotna, was arrested for concealment of merchandise and violating conditions of release. Jezorski was further remanded for five counts of third-degree theft and five counts of fraudulent use of a credit card. Lydia D. Reynolds, 33, of Soldotna, was arrested and remanded as well for two counts of second-degree theft and three counts of fraudulent use of a credit card. Reynolds and Jezorski were taken to Wildwood Pretrial. Noah D. Price, 23, of Soldotna, was also remanded for two counts of second-degree theft and one count of fraudulent use of a credit card.

On June 14 at 12:16 a.m., Kenai police received a Crime Stoppers tip regarding a vehicle reported as stolen on June 12. As a result, Kenai police contacted Troy J. Gehring, 49, of Nikiski, and was able to recover the stolen vehicle. Gehring was arrested for first-degree vehicle theft and taken to Wildwood Pretrial.

On June 14 at 2:33 a.m., Kenai police responded to the report a domestic disturbance at the Kenai Aspen Hotel. Officers contacted Antonia A. Joseph, 26, of Seward, who was arrested for disorderly conduct and fourth-degree assault and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.

On June 14 at 8:04 p.m., a Kenai police officer tried to conduct a routine traffic stop on a vehicle near Mile 8.5 of the Kenai Spur Highway, but the vehicle failed to stop for the officer. Other Kenai officers responded to the area, and the vehicle eventually stopped near an address on Linwood Lane. The driver, Nathan J. Conner, 41, of Kenai, was arrested for driving while license revoked, violating conditions of release, and failure to stop at the direction of a peace officer. Conner was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.

On June 13 at about 2:00 p.m., Kenai police conducted a traffic stop on a REDDI (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately) vehicle near Mile 10 of the Kenai Spur Highway Mile 10 and contacted Jonathan J. Herrmann, 18, of Kenai, and Jaycee C. Herrmann, 19, of Kenai. As a result of the contact, Jonathan was issued a summons for fourth-degree theft regarding a Kenai Police Department investigation of a theft reported on May 15. Jaycee Herrmann was arrested for second-degree robbery, two counts of fourth-degree assault, fourth-degree theft, false information, and violating conditions of release as a result of the investigation of an assault reported on June 9 at the Kenai Holiday Gas Station. Jaycee was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.

On June 17 at 12:16 p.m., Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a white Ford Ranger on the Seward Highway near South Harbor Street in Seward. The driver was identified as Sean Jones, 28, of Seward. A records check revealed that the vehicle had incorrect registration plates attached to it. Sean’s driver’s license was also suspended. He was issued a misdemeanor citation for improper use of registration plates and a minor offense citation for driving with a suspended license.

On June 17 at 10:41 a.m., Alaska State Troopers received and responded to a report of a disturbance at a residence in Nikiski and contacted Steven Coble, 51, of Nikiski, and a family member of his. Investigation revealed that Coble had assaulted the family member. Coble was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial without bail.

On June 11 at 11:38 a.m., Alaska State Troopers were dispatched to a report of a burglary at K-Beach Stor Mor. Investigation revealed that unknown subject(s) forced entry to units and stole over $750 worth of property. On June 16, troopers identified Alec I. Smith, 26, of Kenai, and Cheyenne C. Herro, 18, of Anchorage, as suspects in the burglary. On June 17 at 1:16 p.m., Smith was contacted and arrested for second-degree burglary and second-degree theft and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial without bail. Troopers have not located Herro, and an arrest warrant has been requested from the Kenai Courts for second-degree burglary and second-degree theft. Anyone with information with her whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Alaska State Troopers at (907) 262-4453 or Crime Stoppers at (907) 283-8477.

On June 15, Alaska Wildlife Troopers conducted a joint patrol with the Alaska State Park Rangers of the Lower Kenai River. While on patrol, troopers observed Joseph Bell, 39, of Girdwood, fishing on the bank of the river. When the trooper contacted Bell, he as unable to provide a valid 2019 Sport Fishing license. He stated that it was in his jacket, back in the cabin. The trooper allowed Bell to check his jacket. He arrived back 10 minutes later and was still unable to provide his license. A correctable citation was issued to Bell for sport fishing without license in possession, with bail set at $200 and a $20 court fee.

On June 17 at 5:57 p.m., Alaska State Troopers contacted a vehicle in the Fred Meyer parking lot in Soldotna, where contact was made with Zachariah Kasukonis, 39, of Soldotna. Investigation revealed that Kasukonis had two outstanding warrants for fourth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility on $500 bail.

On June 17 at 6:24 p.m., Alaska State Troopers received report of an assault at a residence on Opal Street in Nikiski. Investigation revealed that Cherie Smith, 44, of Valdez, had assaulted another person. Troopers were unable to locate or interview Smith, because she had left prior to trooper arrival. Two charges of fourth-degree assault have been forwarded to the District Attorney, and an arrest warrant has been requested.

On June 17 at about 7:40 p.m., Alaska State Troopers received a Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately (REDDI) call about a vehicle’s driver seen stumbling around near the Ninilchik transfer site. Troopers responded, and investigation found that the driver was not impaired. Further investigation resulted in contact with Vanessa Bock, 40, of Ninilchik, who was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant for one count of fourth-degree theft, with bail set at $250. Bock was arrested on the warrant and was taken to the Homer Jail.

On June 16 at 10:05 p.m., Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a red Ford Escape at Mile 2.5 of the Kenai Spur Highway. Investigation revealed that the driver was 16 years old and did not have a valid driver’s license. The juvenile was released to its parents and issued a misdemeanor citation for driving in violation of instruction permit.

On June 18 at 10:42 a.m., David Kaufmann, 36, of Homer, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers during the Kasilof River Gillnet Fishery for taking salmon during a closed period. Bail was set at $120.

On June 17 at 2:29 a.m., Kenai police responded to a noise complaint at a residence near Mile 12 of the Kenai Spur Highway. After clearing the building, investigation, and contacting multiple people in the residence, four individuals were remanded for a variety of charges. Canaan C. Fischer-Nelson, 19, of Kenai, was arrested for violating conditions of release. Jared J.E. Herrmann, 23, of Kenai, was arrested for contributing alcohol to minors and furnishing alcohol to people under 21 years of age, as well as a Soldotna Alaska State Troopers misdemeanor arrest warrant on the original charge of first-degree criminal trespass, $50 bail. Cheyenne C. Herro, 18, of Anchorage, was arrested for violating conditions of release. Kailie N. Nelson, 29, of Kenai, was arrested for violating condition of release. All were taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility.

On June 17 at 8:22 p.m., Kenai police responded to a REDDI (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately) report in the area of Kenai Holiday. William E. Knackstedt, 61, of Kenai, was contacted and arrested for violating conditions of release and second-degree criminal trespass. Knackstedt was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.

On June 17 at about 9:40 p.m., Kenai police received a report of a family member who had kicked in the door of a residence over property issues. Officers responded and contacted everyone involved. After investigation, Dylan W. Berry, 26, of Kenai, was arrested for fifth-degree criminal mischief (domestic violence) and first-degree criminal trespass and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.

On June 17 at 11:38 p.m., Kenai police conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle. Jordan W. Rodgers, 31, of Kenai, was issued a summons for driving without a valid license.

On June 18 at 11:14 a.m., Alaska State Troopers were dispatched to a residence on Sandhill Crane Loop North in Soldotna for a report of a disturbance. Investigation revealed that Derek T. Lincecum, 47, of Kasilof, had assaulted and spit on a person. Lincecum was arrested for fourth-degree assault and first-degree harassment and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail.

On June 16 at 4:34 p.m., Alaska State Troopers received a request for assistance from the Alaska Park Rangers regarding a hiker in need of aid, who reported that an adult female hiker was about nine miles from the Eagle River Nature Center and could not walk out on her own. Due to the difficult terrain in the area, Helo 3 was launched to assist and transported the hiker to the Eagle River Nature Center without incident.

On June 16 at about 8:00 p.m., Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Soldotna Post, issued a citation to Billy Tyson Frasier, 43, of Kenai, on the Kasilof River at Crooked Creek for retaining two king salmon on June 16, when the daily bag limit was one king salmon per angler. Tyson was also issued a citation for retaining a total of seven king salmon over 20” in length from the Kasilof River in 2019, when the annual limit was five king salmon. Bail for both citations totaled $690.

On June 16 at 10:54 p.m., Seward-based Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of a disturbance at a campsite on Herman Leirer Road. Investigation showed that Christian Wilson, 34, of Kiana, had assaulted a female by placing her in fear of imminent physical injury. Wilson was arrested and taken to the Seward Jail without bail, pending arraignment.

On June 18 at 5:46 p.m., Alaska State Troopers were dispatched to a business on Skein Avenue in Kasilof for a report of a disturbance. Investigation revealed that Caleb Dock, 31, of Kipnuk, assaulted a person. Dock was arrested for two counts of fourth-degree assault and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail.

On June 18, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Soldotna Post, cited Sean Campbell, 41, of Homer, for personal use fishing during a closed period in the Kasilof setnet fishery. Bail was set at $120 in Kenai District Court.

On June 18 at 6:06 p.m., Alaska State Troopers contacted Corey Sherman Green, 25, of Nikiski, at a residence off Koskela Road in Nikiski. Investigation revealed that Green had an outstanding warrant for violating his conditions of release on an original charge of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence). He was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail.

On June 19 at 3:11 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a residence on Macholz Avenue in Sterling for an investigation, which had revealed that William L. Harris-Tucker, 28, of Sterling, had an active arrest warrant for failure to comply with the conditions of probation on the original charge of petition to revoke probation. Tucker was arrested for the warrant and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility on $1,500 bail.

On June 13 at 9:58 p.m., Soldotna police responded to Safeway for a suspicious female inside the store. Officers contacted Sarah Urdahl, 36, of Kasilof, who had been previously trespassed from all Safeway property. Urdahl was issued a criminal citation for second-degree criminal trespass and released.

On June 12 at 2:29 p.m., Soldotna police responded to the Sportsman’s Warehouse for a shoplifter. Will Felando, 18, of California, was issued criminal citations for fourth-degree theft and fifth-degree misconduct involving controlled substances and released.

On June 11 at 6:18 p.m., Soldotna police responded to the area of Binkley Street and Trumpeter Avenue for a report of a bicycle and a backpack having been stolen. Investigation led to the arrest of Anthony W. Goff, 41, of Soldotna, for third-degree theft and tampering with physical evidence. Goff was taken to Wildwood Pretrial without bail.

On June 5 at about 2:40 a.m., Soldotna police responded to a noise complaint at the SOHI football field. Investigation resulted in Jeremiah Lefao, 21, of Soldotna, being arrested for second-degree criminal trespass and violating his conditions of release. Lefao was taken to Wildwood Pretrial without bail.

On June 20 at about 3:00 a.m., Alaska State Troopers received a report of a rollover single-vehicle accident at the 89 mile marker. Through investigation, Shannon Beals was determined to be the operator of the vehicle and was under the influence of alcohol. Beals was arrested for driving under the influence and an additional charge of refusal to submit to a chemical test.

On June 19 at 10:25 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to Kenai regarding a noise complaint. Investigation revealed that Thomas Buchholz, 48, of Kenai, was playing loud music and refused to turn it down. He was arrested for disorderly conduct.

On June 20 at 3:03 p.m., Alaska State Troopers contacted Scott Toloff, 56, of Nikiski, at a residence in Nikiski. Toloff had two arrest warrants for violating a domestic violence protective order. He was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail.

On June 16 at 6:03 a.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to the report of a disturbance at a Soldotna residence. During the investigation, Hunter Crosby, 18, of Soldotna, was found to have unlawfully entered the residence of a family member, where he assaulted the family member and destroyed property. Crosby was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility on the charges of domestic violence first-degree burglary, fourth-degree assault, and fifth-degree criminal mischief.

On June 21 at 5:59 a.m., the Sterling Highway from Mile 63 to 70 was closed due to limited visibility from wildfire smoke. A pilot car was temporarily leading traffic through the closure. Traffic is currently being diverted through Skilak Lake Loop Road. Alaska State Troopers encourages motorists to be patient and drive carefully while traversing the highway and detour route.

On June 21 at 7:31 a.m., Alaska State Troopers received a report of a two-vehicle wreck near Mile 122 of the Sterling Highway. The driver of one vehicle was medivaced from the scene. Troopers are on scene, investigating the collision. Traffic is down to one lane until a tow truck can remove the wreckage. Motorists are encourage to drive slowly through the area. Traffic maybe impacted for several hours. Thank you for your patience.

On June 20 at 7:45 p.m., Kenai police received a welfare request for an individual at a business located near Mile 10 of the Kenai Spur Highway. After investigation, Joseph Chikoyak, Jr., 44, of Kenai, was arrested for fourth-degree assault and third-degree theft and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility.

On June 20 at about 10:00 p.m., a Kenai police officer contacted Brandon N. Barfell, 22, of Kenai, near Mile 11 of the Kenai Spur Highway regarding a theft reported on June 12. Barfell was arrested for second-degree theft and taken to Wildwood Pretrial.

On June 19 at about 12:00 a.m., Kenai police conducted a routine traffic stop near Mile 11 of the Kenai Spur Highway and contacted Cameron F. Ketah, 20, of Kenai, and Jadon Gallaway, 19, of Kenai. As a result of the contact, Gallaway was arrested for fifth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial. Ketah was arrested for fifth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance, violating conditions of release, and a Soldotna Alaska State Troopers arrest warrant on the original charge of violating conditions of release, bail court-appointed third party custodian. Ketah was also taken to Wildwood Pretrial.

On June 18 at 7:57 p.m., a Kenai Police Department employee was flagged down by a manager of a local business near Mile 10 of the Kenai Spur Highway and, as a result, contacted Brittney H. Mackey, 29, of Soldotna. After investigation, Mackey was arrested for six counts of second-degree theft in a theft case reported on Apr. 5 and concealment of merchandise and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.

On June 21 at 4:39 p.m., the Soldotna Public Safety Communications Center received multiple 911 calls regarding a head-on collision between two vehicles at Mile 46 of the Seward Highway. Seward-based Alaska State Troopers responded to the scene and determined that nobody was injured in the collision. Investigation revealed that one of the drivers, Paul Siples, 62, of Anchorage, was driving while under the influence of alcohol with a nine-year-old child in the vehicle. Siples was arrested and taken to the Seward Jail on one count of driving under the influence and one count of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

On June 21 at about 6:50 p.m., Alaska State Troopers received a report about a domestic disturbance at a residence in the community of Nikolaevsk. Troopers responded, and investigation resulted in the arrest of Ryan Martin, 36, of Homer, for one count of driving under the influence and one count of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence). Martin was taken to the Homer Jail.

On June 20 at about 6:30 a.m., Alaska State Troopers received an anonymous tip concerning the whereabouts of Robert Backstrom, 36, of Sterling. Backstrom, at the time, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for failing to appear on two charges of misconduct involving controlled substances. Troopers responded to the address on Carmichael Court and located Backstrom, who was arrested without incident and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility on $500 bail.

On June 10 at 6:01 p.m., Alaska State Troopers was contacted by Alisa Fauble, 25, of Seward, and her hiking companion, requesting assistance on Mount Marathon for Fauble, who had injured her ankle. Fauble stated she could not hike out and requested Lifemed. After Lifemed helicopter launched with a 35-minute estimated time of arrival, Fauble contacted Dispatch, stating that she wouldn’t wait 35 minutes for Lifemed and was hiking out. Fauble hiked out and was contacted by troopers at the Jeep Trail. Fauble declined emergency medical services or transportation to the emergency room and said she was going to walk. Fauble was issued a citation for making a false report of an emergency.

On June 15 at 4:02 p.m., Alaska State Troopers was advised of an injured hiker on Flattop Mountain. William Thon, 24, of Anchorage, stated that his hiking companion, Maylyn Cleveland, 30, of Anchorage, was injured in a fall near Flattop Peak. Lifemed and park rangers responded but were unable to extricate Cleveland due to steep treacherous terrain. RCC AKANG responded and hoisted the victim out for transport to Providence in Anchorage.

On June 1 at about 12:00 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a report from the International Emergency Response Coordination Center of a GPS device SOS activation. Investigation revealed that the device owner, Peter Smith, 63, of Anchorage was making a multi-day hike in the Eagle River Valley alone and was not responding to communication from the IERCC. AST Helo 3 and Alaska Mountain Rescue Group responded to the area. The SOS message was subsequently found to be accidental, and Smith was not in distress.